RUCKSTUHL PARK MASTER PLAN Fairfax County Park Authority

RUCKSTUHL PARK
MASTER PLAN
Fairfax County Park Authority
APPROVED
October 28, 2015
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
FAIRFAX COUNTY PARK AUTHORITY BOARD
William G. Bouie, Chairman, Hunter Mill District
Ken Quincy, Vice Chairman, Providence District
Frank S. Vajda, Treasurer, Mason District
Kala Leggett Quintana, Secretary, At-Large Member
Mary D. Cortina, At-Large Member
Edward R. Batten, Sr., Lee District
Grace Han Wolf, Dranesville District
Anthony J. Vellucci, Braddock District
Harold L. Strickland, Sully District
Linwood Gorham, Mount Vernon District
Michael W. Thompson, Jr., Springfield District
Faisal Khan, At-Large Member
SENIOR STAFF
Kirk W. Kincannon, Director
Aimee Long Vosper, Deputy Director / Chief of Business Development
Sara Baldwin, Deputy Director / Chief Operating Officer
David Bowden, Director, Planning & Development Division
Barbara Nugent, Director, Park Services Division
Cindy Walsh, Director, Resource Management Division
Todd Johnson, Director, Park Operations Division
Judith Pedersen, Public Information Officer
PROJECT TEAM
Sandy Stallman, Manager, Park Planning Branch, Planning and Development Division
Andy Galusha, Project Manager, Park Planning Branch, Planning and Development
Division
Ed Busenlehner (Ret.), Manager, Area 1, Park Operations Division
Russell Arrington, Manager, Area 1, Park Operations Division
Beth Borostovik, Area 1, Park Operations Division
Dan Sutherland, Manager, Grounds Management Branch, Park Operations Division
Erin Stockschlaeder, Natural Resource Specialist, Natural Resource Management &
Protection Branch, Resource Management Division
Christopher Sperling, Senior Archaeologist, Cultural Resource Management &
Protection Branch, Resource Management Division
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................... 3
A. PURPOSE & PLAN DESCRIPTION ................................................................... 3
B. PLANNING PROCESS & PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT ........................................... 3
II. PARK BACKGROUND ............................................................................................... 3
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
LOCATION & GENERAL DESCRIPTION .......................................................... 3
CONTEXT .......................................................................................................... 5
ADMINISTRATIVE HISTORY ............................................................................ 6
PARK CLASSIFICATION .................................................................................. 6
PARK & RECREATION NEEDS ........................................................................ 6
III. EXISTING CONDITIONS ........................................................................................... 8
A. NATURAL RESOURCES .................................................................................. 8
1. Soils ............................................................................................................... 8
2. Topography & Hydrology ............................................................................. 10
3. Vegetation.................................................................................................... 13
4. Wildlife ......................................................................................................... 15
5. Rare Species ............................................................................................... 15
B. CULTURAL RESOURCES .............................................................................. 15
C. EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE ...................................................................... 19
1. Utilities ......................................................................................................... 19
2. Vehicular Access ......................................................................................... 19
3. Pedestrian Access and Trails ...................................................................... 21
IV. PARK ASPIRATIONS ............................................................................................. 21
A. PARK PURPOSE ............................................................................................ 21
B. DESIRED VISITOR EXPERIENCE.................................................................. 22
C. MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES ........................................................................ 22
V. CONCEPTUAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN .................................................................. 23
A. VEHICULAR ENTRANCE & PARKING ............................................................ 25
B. TRAILS & PEDESTRIAN ACCESS .................................................................. 25
C. OPEN PLAY AREA........................................................................................... 27
D. NATURE PLAYGROUND ................................................................................. 27
E. PICNIC / OUTDOOR CLASSROOM................................................................. 28
F. SITE FURNISHINGS ........................................................................................ 28
G. INTERPRETIVE FEATURES ........................................................................... 28
H. VEGETATIVE BUFFER .................................................................................... 29
VI. DESIGN & COMMUNITY CONCERNS ................................................................... 29
A. ACCESSIBILITY .............................................................................................. 29
B. PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS ..................................................................... 29
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C. LAND & WATER CONSERVATION FUND REQUIRMENTS ........................... 29
D. SOILS ............................................................................................................... 30
E. OFFSET ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ........................................................... 30
F. SIDEWALKS & CROSSWALKS ....................................................................... 31
G. VEHICULAR ACCESS, TRAFFIC, & PARKING ............................................... 32
H. IDYLWOOD ROAD WIDENING ....................................................................... 32
I. I-66 WIDENING.................................................................................................. 32
TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 1: General Vicinity Map ........................................................................................ 4
Figure 2: Aerial Photo of Park and Surrounding Area ..................................................... 4
Figure 3: Ruckstuhl Park One Mile Service Area Map .................................................... 5
Figure 4: Dr. Ruckstuhl in her Garden ............................................................................. 6
Figure 5: Parcel Map ....................................................................................................... 6
Figure 6: Soils Map ....................................................................................................... 11
Figure 7: Topography & Hydrology Map........................................................................ 12
Figure 8: Outdoor Room................................................................................................ 13
Figure 9: Non-native Invasive Plants ............................................................................. 13
Figure 10: Vegetation within the Park............................................................................ 14
Figure 11: Bluebird ........................................................................................................ 15
Figure 12: 1937 Aerial Photo ......................................................................................... 17
Figure 13: 1997 Orthographic Photo ............................................................................. 18
Figure 14: Power line Easement ................................................................................... 19
Figure 15: Entrance from Idylwood Road ...................................................................... 19
Figure 16: Trails, Utilities, & Easements ........................................................................ 20
Figure 17: Dunford Drive with Ruckstuhl Park on left. ................................................... 21
Figure 18: Large Tree Emblematic of Park Experience ................................................. 22
Figure 19: Conceptual Development Plan Map ............................................................. 24
Figure 20: Vehicular Entrance ....................................................................................... 25
Figure 21: W & OD Trail ................................................................................................ 26
Figure 22: Potential Trail Connections to Idylwood Park and W & O D Trail ................. 26
Figure 23: Open Play Area ............................................................................................ 27
Figure 24: Nature Playground ....................................................................................... 27
Figure 25: Bench ........................................................................................................... 28
Figure 26: Interpretive Sign ........................................................................................... 28
TABLE OF FIGURES
Table 1: Parks within Monticello Park Service Area ........................................................ 7
Table 2: Jefferson Planning District 2020 Facility Needs Analysis .................................. 8
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I. INTRODUCTION
A. PURPOSE & PLAN DESCRIPTION
The purpose of a Park Master Plan is to create a long-range vision for the park by
determining the best uses, facilities, and resource management for a specific site.
During the planning process, the park is evaluated in the context of the surrounding
community and as one park of many within the Fairfax County park system. The
approved master plan then serves as a long-term decision making guide to be
consulted before the initiation of any detailed planning, design/construction projects,
resource management activities, or programming. By design, master plans are general
in nature, which allows flexibility to accommodate changing park users’ needs, as well
as management practices. Park master plans are updated as necessary to reflect
community and park changes over time.
Operational plans and growth projections are carefully considered in the master plan.
However, the park master plan is not a guide to routine park operations. The park
master plan is conceptual with facilities shown in general locations within the park.
Many of these features will require additional, separate fiscal analysis, funding, space
program analysis, design, and engineering.
B. PLANNING PROCESS & PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
The Park Authority kicked off the public Ruckstuhl Park Master Plan process on July 30,
2014, with a public information meeting attended by over 40 community members.
Public comments centered on potential park uses desired by the community, including
an off leash dog area, playground, picnic area, gardens, managing and retaining the
natural features, trails, and site access. The public also voiced concerns about safety
particularly due to the lack of sidewalk and crosswalks on Idylwood Road. The public
input was considered along with existing site conditions, natural and cultural resources,
site management, and design issues in developing the draft master plan. This draft was
published for public review and presented at a public comment meeting on July 29,
2015. The plan was revised based upon the public input and was approved by the Park
Authority Board on October 28, 2015.
II. PARK BACKGROUND
A. LOCATION & GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Located between Idylwood Road and I-66, Ruckstuhl Park, a former residential
property, consists of 7.2 acres of lawn, meadow, and forest. Ruckstuhl Park is located
in the Jefferson Planning District, and is classified as a local park, expected to serve the
surrounding residential neighborhoods (Figures 1 and 2).
Ruckstuhl Park Master Plan
Figure 1: General Vicinity Map
Figure 2: Aerial Photo of Park and Surrounding Area
4
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B. CONTEXT
Ruckstuhl Park is located north of Route 66, surrounded by single family residences,
including the Brittany Parc, and Mount at Tysons communities, as well as the Idylwood
Towers Condominium. These suburban neighborhoods consist of primarily singlefamily homes and multifamily high-rise apartments, mostly built between the early 1930s
and 2000s, some of which border the park along its east and west sides. Idylwood
Road and Route 66 form the park’s northern and southern borders respectively (Figure
3).
Ruckstuhl Park is
located in the
Jefferson North
Community
Planning Sector
(J10) of the
Jefferson
Planning District
as described in
the Fairfax County
Comprehensive
Plan.
Surrounding areas
are planned,
zoned, and
developed with
residential uses
with densities
ranging from 3 to
20 dwelling units
per acre.
Ruckstuhl Park is
in the R-3
residential zoning
district that allows
residential use at
1 to 3 dwelling
units per acre and
public facilities,
such as parks.
Additionally, the Countywide Trails Plan Map shows planned sidewalks along both sides
of Idylwood Road, to be completed connecting to other trails in the area. While not yet
completed on either side of the road, these sidewalks provide some connections to the
community.
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6
C. ADMINISTRATIVE HISTORY
The acquisition of Parcels 40-3((1)) 59, 61A,
64, and 65 which became Ruckstuhl Park
was made possible through the generosity of
Dr. Lily Ruckstuhl and the Northern Virginia
Conservation Trust (NVCT), to whom she
donated her property upon her passing in
September 2008. Dr. Ruckstuhl expressed
her desire that her property be forever
preserved, preferably as a public park that
area residents could enjoy as she had for
Figure 4: Dr. Ruckstuhl in her Garden
many years (Figure 4). Therefore, NVCT
transferred the property to the Park Authority in 2011 for $250,000 with a conservation
easement on the property that prescribes certain conditions on the property and
prohibits uses such as athletic fields (Figure 5).
D. PARK CLASSIFICATION
Park classifications provide broad guidance on each park’s general purpose, character,
location, and service areas. Ruckstuhl Park is designated as a Local Park in the Park
Authority’s classification system. Local parks primarily provide facilities for active and/or
passive recreation, which may include areas for scheduled or unscheduled recreation
activities or social gatherings, to serve local residential and employment centers. Areas
designated for natural and/or cultural
resource protection are also common
features of local parks. In suburban
settings, such as the Idylwood
neighborhoods, local park size will
typically be between 2.5 and 50 acres.
Typical local park facilities may include
picnic areas, open play areas,
playgrounds, trails, athletic fields, and
courts. In a suburban setting, the local
park service area may be up to three
miles. The typical duration of visits to
local parks will be two hours or less.
E. PARK & RECREATION NEEDS
Overall, the park system around
Ruckstuhl Park provides a diverse
range of offerings. Within one mile are
11 other parks, comprising 192 acres,
eight of which provide recreational
facilities, such as playgrounds, picnic
areas, athletic fields, and courts (Table
1). Some offer distinctive facilities
such as Jefferson District Park’s golf
Figure 5: Parcel Map
course. Idylwood Park provides a
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playground and athletic facilities less than a ¼ mile to the west. In addition, there are
three public schools within a one-mile service area, which typically have athletic fields
and playgrounds that are available to the public during non-school hours. Figure 3
shows the parks and facilities that are located within one mile from Ruckstuhl Park.
FULL BASKETBALL COURTS
Y
TENNIS PRACTICE WALL
Y
TENNIS COURTS
Y
60FT DIAMOND FIELD
Y
Y
Y
1
2
2
2
1
8
4
2
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
RECTANGLE FIELDS
Y
TOT LOT
Y
SCHOOL AGE PLAYGROUND
PICNIC AREA
Y
Y
GRIFFITH PARK
HOLLYWOOD ROAD
PARK
Y
IDYLWOOD PARK
JEFFERSON DISTRICT
Y
Y
Y
Y
PARK
Y
Y
LEMON ROAD PARK
Y
LISLE PARK
MOUNT ROYAL PARK
Y
PIMMIT HILLS PARK
PIMMIT RUN STREAM
Y
VALLEY PARK
RUCKSTUHL PARK
SOUTH RAILROAD
Y
STREET PARK
Y
TYSONS PIMMIT PARK
Table 1: Parks within Ruckstuhl Park Service Area
OPEN PLAY AREA
HORSESHOE PIT
AMPHITHEATRE
TRAILS
EXECUTIVE 9 HOLE COURSE
MINI GOLF
PRACTICE PUTTING GREEN
PARK NAME
Y
Y
Y
Y
1
1
2
The need for park and recreation facilities is determined through long range planning
efforts. Recreation needs are generally met through the provision of park facilities. The
2003-2013 Needs Assessment provides guidance for parkland and facility needs. As
part of the Needs Assessment process, the Park Authority tracks inventory of facilities,
looks at industry trends, surveys County citizen recreation demand, and compares itself
with peer jurisdictions to determine park facility needs. In addition, the Park Authority
Board adopted countywide population-based service level standards for parkland and
park facilities. Table 2 reflects projected local serving park facility needs in the
Jefferson Planning District in which Ruckstuhl Park is located.
Park facility service levels are examined using planning district geography that is
established in the County Comprehensive Plan. As shown in Table 2, Jefferson
Planning District has a deficit of public playgrounds, basketball courts, and athletic
fields. A playground is located at Idylwood Park nearby and at a nearby church.
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Athletic fields are not allowed at Ruckstuhl Park under the conservation easement. It is
increasingly rare for the Park Authority to find property that is ideal for a local public
park in this developed part of Fairfax County. Few undeveloped public park
opportunities are available where these needs could be addressed. Private facilities in
homeowner common areas supplement the public inventory for trails, playgrounds, and
courts.
53,818
60,249
Facility
Rectangle Fields
Adult Baseball Fields
Adult Softball Fields
Youth Baseball Fields
Youth Softball Fields
Basketball Courts
Playgrounds
Neighborhood Dog
Parks
Neighborhood Skate
Parks
2010 population – Jefferson Planning District
2020 population projection
Service Level
Standard
1 per 2,700 people
1 per 24,000 people
1 per 22,000 people
1 per 7,200 people
1 per 8,800 people
1 per 2,100 people
1 per 2,800 people
2010
Existing
Facilities
14.2
2.0
1.5
7.5
6.0
13.5
18.5
2020
Needed
Facilities
22.3
2.5
2.7
8.4
6.8
28.7
21.5
2020
Projected
(Deficit)/
Surplus
(8.1)
(0.5)
(1.2)
(0.9)
(0.8)
(15.2)
(3.0)
1 per 86,000 people
0.0
0.7
(0.7)
1 per 106,000 people
0.0
0.6
(0.6)
Table 2: Jefferson Planning District 2020 Facility Needs Analysis
III. EXISTING CONDITIONS
The existing site conditions are evaluated to determine the opportunities and constraints
located on the site. Typical site conditions examined include soils, topography,
hydrology, habitats, vegetation, history and prehistoric features and any infrastructure
elements. Using the existing conditions data allows for more focused planning and
development.
A. NATURAL RESOURCES
1. Soils
Soil characteristics can have major implications on site suitability for certain uses. As
classified by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) of the United States
Department of Agriculture (USDA), Ruckstuhl Park is comprised of the Fairfax loam,
Kingstowne-Danripple complex, and Wheaton-Fairfax complex soil types (Figure 6).
This site contains problem soils for which additional soil investigation will be needed to
determine suitability for the proposed features.
a. Danripple
Soils of the Danripple series forms on flat stream terraces near the border of the
Piedmont and Coastal Plain. The topsoil is often gravelly with clay subsoil. Seasonal
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high water table can be as high as 40 inches below the surface, with depth to
bedrock greater than 5 feet. Considerations for park development include marginal
structural support due to the high water table combined with moderately plastic
clays. Suitability for drain fields and for infiltration trenches is poor because of the
seasonal high water table. Surface grading and subsurface drainage may be
necessary to prevent wet areas. Danripple is a Class II problem soil, for which
ground water problems and over lot drainage must be addressed.
b. Fairfax
This Piedmont upland soil consists of silty topsoil over silty and sandy soil materials.
The silty capping ranges from ½ to 3 feet thick and contains rounded water worn
pebbles. The subsoil can be quite clayey, but the clays are only slightly plastic. This
soil is well drained with depth to water table greater than six feet and hard bedrock
over 10 feet below the surface. Benefits for park development are good structural
support, and infiltration trenches are well suited for this soil. Considerations for park
development include low baring capacity for structures and low suitability for drain
fields because the high clay content of the subsoil can cause slow permeability.
Because of a high mica content, the soil tends to "fluff" up when disturbed and is
difficult to compact requiring engineering designs for use as structural fill. Fairfax is a
Class I problem soil, for which further investigation is suggested.
c. Kingstowne
Soils of the Kingstowne series are dense, very deep, and well drained. They are
found on hills, shoulders, and backslopes. Benefits for park development include a
moderate bearing strength, high water table depth of over 40 inches, and low to
moderate shrink-swell potential. They are suitable for natural surface trails, roads,
or staging areas. Concerns for park development include very high to moderate
surface runoff, with moderate to very slow hydraulic permeability, affected by frost
action, with moderately unstable excavation walls. Due to these attributes,
Kingstowne soils have very limited suitability, for local roads, or streets, landscaping
and fairways (due to density). They have somewhat limited suitability for building
structures, shallow excavations, campsites, picnic areas, playgrounds, or excavated
ponds. Kingstowne is a disturbed Class IVB problem soil for which a geotechnical
investigation is required, particularly for soil strength, footing concerns, and
drainage.
d. Wheaton
The Wheaton series consists of very deep well drained soils with moderate
permeability, and medium to rapid runoff. Benefits for park development, at less than
seven percent slope; they are well suited for structures such as dwellings and small
commercial buildings, minor excavations, or trails. Concerns for park development
include low bearing strength, slow peculation rate, shallow depth to water, frost
action, severe rutting hazard, and moderate to severe erosion. Excavations are
unstable, with tendencies to cave. Due to these characteristics, they have limited
suitability for moderate excavations, campsites, picnic areas, and playgrounds.
Usability is very limited for local roads, streets, landscaping, excavated ponds, and
absorption fields. Over seven percent slope uses are very limited. Wheaton is a
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disturbed Class IVB problem soil for which a geotechnical investigation is required,
particularly for soil strength, footing concerns, and drainage.
e. Uncontrolled Fill
The areas of the site where building basements and the in ground pool were dug
out, were replaced by “uncontrolled fill” according to the project engineer who
oversaw the demolition. Concerns for park development include low bearing
strength, tendency to settle, severe rutting hazard, and moderate to severe erosion.
Excavations are unstable, with tendencies to cave. Due to these characteristics,
they have very limited suitability for driveways, trails, moderate excavations,
campsites, picnic areas, playgrounds, or structures of any type. Since this is a
disturbed Class IVA problem soil, Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC)
and Public Facility Manual (PFM) states that a detailed geotechnical investigation
and report are mandatory for all construction and grading (including trails) within
these problem soil areas.
2. Topography & Hydrology
For centuries, the site was tilled as farmland until domestic home sites were added in
the early 20th century that altered grading around these structures. The topography of
Ruckstuhl is characterized by a low ridge that runs north south across the middle of the
park. This ridge forms a divide between the Pimmit Run watershed to the west, which
drains toward Idylwood Road and the Cameron Run watershed to the east, draining
toward I-66. The Idylwood side of the ridge is gently sloping while the other side of the
ridge has somewhat steeper slopes draining down into an oval bowl-shaped area
adjacent to I-66. Both watersheds are highly developed and heavily impacted by
urbanization (Figure 7).
Due to the park’s location at the outer limits on the divide between both of these
watersheds and its relative isolation from any significant water resources, no specific
watershed management projects are identified in either the Pimmit Run or Cameron
Run Watershed Management Plans that are targeted for Ruckstuhl Park. Therefore,
there are no water bodies or associated Chesapeake Bay Ordinance designated
Resource Protection Areas (RPA) within the park. It is the intent of this planning
process, however, to establish stormwater management practices that are supportive of
the efforts of the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services in protecting
Fairfax County’s water resources.
Ruckstuhl Park Master Plan
Figure 6: Soils Map
11
Ruckstuhl Park Master Plan
Figure 7: Topography & Hydrology Map
12
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3. Vegetation
Ruckstuhl Park has several large mature, native trees that are found in the grassy
mowed area in the central area and north end of the park. The larger trees and dense
understory in the park create walls around several open grassy areas define the park’s
character, naturally forming several “outdoor rooms” (Figure 8 & 10).
Figure 8: Outdoor Room
The area of the park nearest to I-66 has
significant invasive plant cover that
threatens the trees and other vegetation in
this area. Some of the non-native species
present are relics from the residential
landscaping located on or near the property.
The vegetation along the power lines is
nearly 100% invasive species. At one time,
there were native trees present in this area
of the park, but these have been completely
covered in invasive vines and are most
likely dead. The most noticeable invasive
species present include porcelain berry,
English ivy and multiflora rose (Figure 9 &
10). While providing some shade and cover
for wildlife, overall, the vegetation is of
relatively low habitat and environmental
quality, mostly due to the human
disturbance, small area, lack of native
plants, invasive species and deer browse.
Figure 9: Non-native Invasive Plants
Ruckstuhl Park Master Plan
Figure 10: Vegetation within the Park
14
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4. Wildlife
A wildlife survey has not been
conducted for this park, but
Park Authority staff have
witnessed rabbit, squirrels,
raccoons, fox, white-tailed deer,
and various bird species,
including bluebirds (Figure 11).
These species are all typically
supported by the regions parks
and would be expected to
tolerate park use by visitors.
Deer are voracious herbivores,
eating much of the plant
understory in wooded areas and
the results of deer herbivory is a
familiar sight in Fairfax County.
Too much deer browsing can
have a detrimental impact on
native plant communities,
particularly the understory.
5. Rare Species
Though a survey has not been
undertaken, archival research
and observations indicate that
there are no known
endangered, threatened, or rare
species occurring at Ruckstuhl
Park.
B. CULTURAL RESOURCES
Figure 11: Bluebird
Ruckstuhl Park has a long history of human use. In the 1960s, archaeologists
discovered one of the first formally recorded archaeological sites in the county within
what is now Ruckstuhl Park. Designated as site 44FX0007 by the Virginia Department
of Historic Resources (VDHR), though not the oldest, the site dates to the Archaic
Period, approximately 8000-1200 years before current epoch (BCE). Unfortunately,
little can be gleaned from the records about how the site was used, due to the reporting
standards at the time. However, we do know that people in the area during that time
were hunter-gatherers, adapting to a changing climate. Populations during generally
increased and are believed to have migrated on seasonal cycles. Changes in the stone
tool shape, material, and size mark various temporal and, possibly, cultural changes
across the Archaic Period.
Dating to the mid-1700’s the Lindsay family’s “The Mount” plantation, encompassed
what is now Ruckstuhl Park. The period from 1750-1789 witnessed increased social,
political, and economic strife between the Virginia Colony and England, culminating in
Ruckstuhl Park Master Plan
16
the American Revolution, resulting in the establishment of the United States. A member
of a prominent Fairfax County family, Robert Lindsay reached the rank of Colonel
before returning home to The Mount at the end of the Revolution.
Following the Revolution, the nation divided along internal social, economic, and
political divisions. Geographically, Fairfax County was caught between northern states
with increased industrial interests based on wage labor and the southern states
economically invested in cash crop agriculture with slave labor. These sectional
differences culminated in the Civil War (1861-1865). Fairfax County’s location, within a
rebellious state, separated from the federal capital by only the Potomac River, placed it
in tenuous spot. Union forces established forts and lines while Confederate irregular
forces roamed across Fairfax County, disrupting lines of communication and gathering
intelligence. The Union victory resulted in great social upheaval and economic
depression across the south that lasted into the 1900’s.
While Fairfax County rebounded relatively quickly compared to most of Virginia, having
been a large plantation that had employed multiple slaves, this period was difficult for
the owners of “The Mount” with it changing hands multiple times. This led to the section
that became Ruckstuhl Park being sold off for smaller farms and house lots beginning
around 1900. An air survey photo taken in 1937 show the site of Ruckstuhl Park used
as farmland with an abandoned field growing in with trees (Figure 12). By the end of the
Second World War and the beginning of the Cold War, the United States government
greatly expanded. Between the 1950’s and 2000’s, mostly rural farmland had given
way to suburban development throughout the Idylwood area with services and
residences for the growing federal work force.
Dr. Lily Ruckstuhl, namesake for the park, resided on the property from the 1950’s until
she passed away in 2008. An air survey photo taken in 1997 shows the site during Dr.
Ruckstuhl’s inhabitation with three house, multiple out buildings, and the pasture for her
farm animals (Figures 13). Dr. Ruckstuhl, who residents remember as an animal lover
and supporter of land conservation, conveyed the property to the Northern Virginia
Conservation Trust (NVCT). In order to keep with Dr. Ruckstuhl’s wishes that the
property be forever preserved as a public park that area residents could enjoy as she
had, the NVCT transferred the land to the Park Authority in 2011.
The main part of The Mount plantation, which is now recognized as archaeological site
44FX1203 exists east of the park. While the original manor house no longer exists and
had been situated outside current park boundaries, another family home from the estate
dating to the mid 1800s is located in the adjacent neighborhood, east of the Lindsay
Family Cemetery, which is located adjacent to the northeast park boundaries. Being
associated with “The Mount” plantation, the cemetery dates to the mid-eighteenth
century. Manors of this period required secondary support structures such as
smokehouses, icehouses, dairies, servant or slave quarters, and slave cemeteries,
among others. Accordingly, it is possible that deposits associated with “The Mount”
occur archaeologically within Ruckstuhl Park, which was plowed as part of the
plantation’s farm fields.
Ruckstuhl Park Master Plan
Figure 12: 1937 Aerial Photo
17
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Figure 13: 1997 Orthographic Photo
18
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19
C. EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE
1. Utilities
As a former residence, the park has
access to public utilities including water
and electric service that are located
along Idylwood Road and Colonel
Lindsay Drive. A fire hydrant is present
along Idylwood Road opposite Idyl Lane.
The residences on the site all were all on
septic systems. According to Fairfax
County Waste Water, sewer service is
only accessible from Colonel Lindsay
Drive as well as a manhole in the
eastern tip of the park near the
substation along I66. Electrical service
is available from Idylwood and Dunford
Drive. A small stormwater pond exists
adjacent to the northern corner of the
park between Idylwood Road and
Colonel Lindsay Drive. Two grated yard
inlets in the park near the cul-de-sac of
Colonel Lindsay Drive drain to this pond.
An inlet to the stormdrain system exists
Figure 14: Power line Easement
along the frontage with Idylwood Road
near the west corner of the park, which collects runoff from both the park and road.
High tension electric transmission lines run in an easement parallel to I-66. These lines
belong to Dominion Virginia Power, who also has a substation building located adjacent
to the east corner of the park that serves the Metro rail line in the center of I-66 (Figures
14 - 16).
2. Vehicular Access
Transportation officials generally prefer
public entrances be aligned with other
cross streets and be a certain distance
from other entrances. Idyl Lane aligns
perpendicularly across Idylwood Road
from the former entrance to Dr.
Ruckstuhl’s residents and is the only
public street suitable for alignment to the
park. This access could be signalized with
crosswalks (Figure 15 & 16). Two other
previous entrances to the site were from
Dunford Drive, which intersects Idylwood
Road at the west corner of the park,
serves several private residents and would
require upgrades for use as a public
Figure 15: Entrance from Idylwood Road
entrance (Figure 16 & 17). A bus stop is
Ruckstuhl Park Master Plan
20
present along Idylwood Road, between the park and Colonel Lindsay Court to the east.
Figure 16: Trails, Utilities, & Easements
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21
3. Pedestrian Access and Trails
No official trails or sidewalks currently exist within Ruckstuhl Park, however, some
informal access points and footpaths are present. In particular, along the Idylwood
Road pedestrians walk on the park’s frontage between the existing sidewalks on each
side as well as to the bus stop located to the east on Idylwood Road. Pedestrians also
enter the park from several places along Dunford Drive.
Figure 17: Dunford Drive with Ruckstuhl Park on left.
IV. PARK ASPIRATIONS
A. PARK PURPOSE
Park purpose statements provide a broad overview for planning and decision-making.
The purpose of Ruckstuhl Park as with other local serving parks is:
To share and interpret the site’s natural character and cultural history.
To meet community recreation and leisure needs.
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22
B. DESIRED VISITOR
EXPERIENCE
Ruckstuhl Park is envisioned
as a local park that will serve
users from the adjacent
neighborhoods and the larger
community within the service
area (roughly defined as a
one-mile radius). The
intention is to preserve a
sense of the open landscape,
inspire community sponsored
and supported uses that
bring the community together
while also providing low
impact community recreation
opportunities that appeal to a
variety of users including
small groups, families, and
individuals who want to enjoy
a mix of recreation facilities,
or open green space (Figure
18).
Typical user visits would last
from thirty minutes to twohours. As such, the park will
be unstaffed and will not
include any major service
facilities. An orientation area Figure 18: Large Tree Emblematic of Park Experience
with a small kiosk could be
sited at one of the park entrances to provide general information about the park and
support a self-guided experience. Other visitor amenities may include benches,
trashcans, picnic tables, and interpretive and way finding signage.
This visitor experience can be supported in a number of ways. Therefore, this Master
Plan provides an overall vision of the park’s ultimate development. These facilities may
not be constructed at the same time, but might be combined in various ways as funding
becomes available from public sources and/or sustainable community sponsorships that
will facilitate the implementation of the master plan. To facilitate any of the conceived
uses, adequate park infrastructure, parking, stormwater management, and ADA access,
will be required preceding the implementation of any greater public use.
C. MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES
In order to achieve the park’s purpose, the following objectives guide actions and
strategies for dealing with management issues:
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23
Ruckstuhl Park should be a focal point of the neighboring communities and a
space for community-building activities.
Ruckstuhl Park should support local wildlife habitat and provide local historic
interpretation.
Ruckstuhl Park will continue to be managed to provide public low impact leisure
opportunities in the Providence District.
Park users should have universal access to any future park facilities when
access is possible and feasible. This includes accessibility facilities and
accessible connections between different areas of the park.
The Park Authority’s area maintenance crew will provide periodic maintenance and
repairs to park facilities. This includes mowing the grass, removing leaves from
managed areas, emptying trash, and other similar tasks. Other maintenance tasks
include inspection of facilities and equipment; cleanup; repairing pavement; pruning,
dead wooding and removal of hazardous trees as needed. The maintenance crew also
responds to any park issues brought to their attention by citizens or staff.
V. CONCEPTUAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
A Conceptual Development Plan (CDP) uses the management objectives established in
this master plan and consists of two parts. The first portion is the text, which describes
recommendations for future park uses and facilities. This section also discusses design
concerns that need to be considered when the CDP is implemented. The second part
of the CDP is a graphic depiction of the recommended uses and their general locations
(Figure 19). CDPs are based on existing site conditions as described in the first section
of this master plan. No site engineering has been conducted at this phase and
therefore the CDP is general in its composition. Actual facility locations may shift based
on future site engineering.
Ruckstuhl Park Master Plan
Figure 19: Conceptual Development Plan Map
24
Ruckstuhl Park Master Plan
25
The following facilities are planned for the park:
A. VEHICULAR ENTRANCE & PARKING
Access to the parking lot will be from Idylwood Road at the old driveway location across
from Idyl Lane (Figure 20). The parking lot will have up to 20 parking spaces to support
user access to the park. To the extent feasible, low impact development features and
landscaping treatments will enhance integration of the entrance and parking into the
landscape of the park.
Figure 20: Vehicular Entrance
B. TRAILS & PEDESTRIAN ACCESS
The planned trail network throughout Ruckstuhl Park is shown on the CDP. Trails will
allow access from the entrances throughout the site as well as form a loop through the
park to facilitate exercise. The trail along the park frontage parallel to Idylwood Road
will provide connections to existing and future sidewalks as shown on the Countywide
Trails Plan. It should also be noted that the Fairfax County Bicycle Master Plan, dated
October 2014, shows a future planned bicycle lane along Idylwood Road. The trails
support a variety of park uses including walking, dog walking, biking, running,
socializing, and nature observation. Trail access is provided at the vehicular entrances
and the pedestrian entrances as shown on the CDP. The general trail location allows for
future widening of Idylwood Road. Visitor orientation is important to provide at these
points, including informational kiosks, benches, trashcans, park identification,
regulation, and way finding signage. All services and routes in Ruckstuhl Park should
be fully accessible, as feasible.
Ruckstuhl Park Master Plan
The large trees and specimen
plantings are an important part of the
park’s character and are well loved by
the community. Care will need to be
taken to field locate all trails and
facilities as not to disturb these trees
on the property during construction.
Root disturbance and soil compaction
could impact health of the trees.
Idylwood Park and the regional
Washington & Old Dominion Trail (W
& OD) operated by NoVA Parks exists
near Ruckstuhl Park but is not
connected by formal trails or
sidewalks. An opportunity exists to
connect Ruckstuhl Park with these
nearby facilities, by completing a
fragmented network of existing
sidewalks and social trails that are
currently not maintained. The
pedestrian connections should be
Figure 21: W & OD Trail
enhanced through coordinated efforts
from Ruckstuhl Park west along Idylwood Road, Hurst Street, and Virginia Lane, to
Idylwood Park and the W&OD (Figure 21 & 22).
Figure 22: Potential Trail Connections to Idylwood Park and W & O D Trail
26
Ruckstuhl Park Master Plan
27
C. OPEN PLAY AREA
A small open grass field will be retained as a central feature of the site to provide an
open play area for unstructured play, informal uses, and outdoor enjoyment (Figure 23).
Usage of this area would promote casual forms of recreation such as frisbee throwing,
tossing a ball, or a game of tag. The open play area can also be used as a small
community gathering space or group activity area.
Figure 23: Open Play Area
D. NATURE PLAYGROUND
The natural setting at Ruckstuhl Park offers an
opportunity for childhood development with nature
themed play features. Green natural settings, with
habitat value have healthy benefits that are critical
to children’s development intellectually, emotionally,
socially, spiritually, and physically. Nature
playgrounds provide features to encourage high
quality play in multiple play types such as functional
play, constructive play, imaginary play, manipulative
play (such as building elements such as a sand
castle), open ended play, with elements that provide
differential feedback, help children learn risk
management, and provide environmental education
in a safe environment. It is important to provide
Figure 24: Nature Playground
areas where children can play with unique
equipment in an enclosed space with a natural aesthetic. This is achieved through the
incorporation of natural organic materials, such as trees, hollow logs, tree stumps,
wood, tall grasses, living plants, as well as sand, gravel, stones, and water. These
Ruckstuhl Park Master Plan
28
elements are arranged into open spaces, rooms, stages, overlooks, created by
landform, plant arbors, stones, and wood fences.
A nature playground is planned on the ridge encompassing areas in both the open
woods and small field. This location provides easy access from the trails and open play
area. It is also a complementary use to the open play area and Picnic/Seating
Education Area. Particular attention should be made to ensure the inclusion of nature
education and skill development facilities. Additional detailed design and programming
will be necessary to ensure a safe and self directed experience (Figure 24).
E. PICNIC / OUTDOOR CLASSROOM
A picnic area / outdoor classroom should be centrally located as shown on the CDP to
support small family or neighborhood gatherings, and resource education classes.
F. SITE FURNISHINGS
Picnic tables, benches,
and trashcans should be
provided in appropriate
locations throughout the
park to support the other
uses (Figure 25). An
outdoor fitness equipment
cluster may be located
adjacent to the picnic
area, nature playground,
and open play area, so
that parents can use the
equipment while watching
their children playing in the
other features.
Figure 25: Bench
G. INTERPRETIVE FEATURES
Interpretative features may
be placed at appropriate
locations within the park
describing important park
features. Interpretation
may include the Lindsay
Family and cemetery, Dr.
Ruckstuhl, The Mount
Plantation, as well as the
park’s natural resources,
wildlife, and vegetation.
Directional, including
distance, regulation, and
park identification signs
should also be placed as
Figure 26: Interpretive Sign
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29
needed in the park. Minimize the number and collocate signs to preserve the natural
setting as well as prevent impacts to important resources (Figure 26).
H. VEGETATIVE BUFFER
Ruckstuhl Park is vegetated around its perimeter but has some areas that are open to
the neighbors. Planned park uses are generally internal to the site and low impact in
nature. The existing stand of trees along the park borders are intended to remain to
provide screening between neighboring homes and the park. Native vegetation should
be allowed to grow up over time within the buffer area with a mix of trees, understory,
and shrub layers, to naturally provide sustainable buffering and screening.
VI. DESIGN & COMMUNITY CONCERNS
Park master plans are conceptual documents that show general size and locations of
facilities for planning and funding purposes. After funding is appropriated, engineering
documents will be prepared and submitted for review and approval prior to development
as deemed necessary by applicable governing agencies. These plans will need to meet
all applicable county, state, and federal codes and requirements, in effect at that time.
They will also need to address all potential impacts, as well as providing public review,
when applicable, the same as any other public or private development. These reviews
ensure that the proposed facilities meet all applicable standards for traffic, parking, size,
safety, stormwater management, environmental protection, and zoning with review by
the respective agencies. To ensure that these plans meet the latest development
standards, and to responsibly manage the costs associated with creating engineered
designs, plans are created during the design phase that precedes construction, after
funding has been appropriated, which could be several years in the future. When site
design, plan submittal, and construction are funded and scheduled, the following
concerns should be considered:
A. ACCESSIBILITY
Provide accessible park elements and facilities wherever possible and feasible. This
includes accessibility facilities and accessible connections between different areas of
the park.
B. PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS
Pedestrian and bike facilities are planned along Idylwood Road and are typically
implemented through transportation improvements or private development. The Park
Authority will coordinate with transportation and County officials to support connectivity
and safe access to Ruckstuhl Park as park development occurs. The Park Authority will
coordinate with other state and county agencies to meet all applicable county, state,
and federal requirements, in effect at the time of development.
C. LAND & WATER CONSERVATION FUND REQUIRMENTS
Due to the presence of known Archaic Period archaeologial deposits, the potential for
archaeological deposits associated with “The Mount” plantation, the proximity to a
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30
recorded cemetery, and the wishes of Dr. Ruckstuhl, the entire park property is held in
concervation easement with NVCT. The park was aquired in part through federal
assistance, with deed restrictions developed by the Virginia Department of Historic
Resources (VDHR) in order to preserve any known or as yet unidentified cutlural
resources within park bounds. This conservation easement prescribes certain
conditions on the property and prohibits uses such as athletic fields. Use of federal
assistance for acquisition renders any development work performed within the park
subject to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. To satisfy these
requirments, deed restrictions, as well as park development and cultural resources
policy, all ground distrubing work in Ruckstuhl Park, will require a systematic
archaeological survey within the proposed distrubance areas as well as additional
archaeological investigations on any identified sites, as warranted. All work must be
reviewed by VDHR, NVCT, and the Park Authority’s Cultural Resourse Management &
Protection branch.
D. SOILS
This site contains four known, but unlocated septic system cesspools located near the
former house sites. Some broken asphalt, concrete, drain tile, gravel, stonework, and
clay, are clearly visible in some areas. Additionally the site is made up of three
disturbed soil classifications, as well as three problem soils. Weak soil, expansive
clays, and subsurface inclusions (rock, concrete, or asphalt) can be detrimental to
locating playgrounds (due to the depth of footings needed to meet modern safety
requirements), and stormwater facilities. In the area where the old house basements
and a large swimming pool were demolished and dug out, uncontrolled fill was added to
a depth of 8 feet or more, before the sites were regraded.
These are a disturbed Class IVA problem soil, while both Kingstowne and Wheaton
soils, also on site, are Class IVB problem soil. Both Class IVA & IVB problem soils fall
under federal jurisdiction, which, as per United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), a detailed geotechnical investigation
and report is mandatory for all construction (this includes trails) and grading within these
problem soil areas. It must be prepared according to the Virginia Uniform Statewide
Building Code (USBC) and the geotechnical guidelines of Public Facility Manual (PFM)
Chapter 4. As per NRCS requirements, geotechnical problems must be addressed with
adequate engineering evaluations and designs prior to development. The engineering
evaluation report shall be submitted for approval and the recommendations
incorporated into the grading plans as requirements prior to plan approval. Construction
inspections and certifications are required from the engineer of record.
E. OFFSET ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
Part of the site will serve low intensity recreation and educational uses as a local park,
but the majority of the site will remain in a natural (minimally developed) state.
Environmental impacts caused by site development should be offset by environmental
improvements such as stormwater management, including Low Impact Development
(LID) methods, such as porous pavers and bioswales. Due to the current condition of
the drainage onsite, stormwater management facilities will reduce runoff from the site to
Ruckstuhl Park Master Plan
31
below the current onsite conditions and mimic natural processes to the greatest extent
possible.
Large trees and specimen plantings are an important part of the parks character and
their wellbeing is of considerable concern to the community. Root disturbance and soil
compaction could cause the trees to die. Therefore, care will need to be taken to field
locate all facilities, including trail as not to disturb these trees on the property during
construction, particularly, for the parking, trails, nature playground, and picnic / seating
area / outdoor classroom area.
The existing landscape and vegetation have been impacted by human activity,
especially 20th century land disturbance. This includes the disposal of yard waste
(leaves, branches), competition from non-native invasive plant species, and deer
browse, which is preventing regeneration of native forest species. Considerable
clearing of invasives and brush will need to be performed here, with invasives removal
undertaken during construction. A revegetation plan should be prepared to help stop
erosion and reduce runoff from the park emphasizing the use of native species.
Natural resource management practices will have to be adaptive and realistic while
focusing on restoring the disturbed landscape. Necessary Countywide practices include
non-native invasive plant control; deer herd culling (to bring herd numbers within the
ecological carrying capacity); and restoration planting once deer herd numbers and nonnative invasive plant species are in check. Disposal of yard waste and other debris
should be eliminated on site. The potential exists for a vigorous community effort with
several volunteers trained by Park Operations and Resource Management in Invasive
Plant Management could achieve the community’s vision for their local park. An
Invasives Management Area (IMA) may be established in Ruckstuhl Park to enlist
volunteers to assist in managing invasive plants within the park, especially in the
vegetated buffer. Part of this program should include the planting of native plants to
help control erosion and runoff along the borders of the park.
F. SIDEWALKS & CROSSWALKS
The community members are very concerned about the lack of sidewalks and especially
crosswalks to provide access across the street to the park as well as other nearby
destinations. This is of particular concern due to the large number of children and
elderly living nearby who rely on walking to get to their destinations. Sidewalks should
be provided by the appropriate transportation agency in the right of way adjacent to
Idylwood Road to facilitate pedestrian connectivity between the neighborhood,
Ruckstuhl Park, and the bus stop located east of the park. Crosswalks should also be
provided at the intersection of Idylwood Road and Idyl Lane by Fairfax County and/or
Virginia Department of Transportation. This initiative would require coordination
between the community, state and county transportation officials, and the Providence
District Supervisors Office. Care should be taken to field locate all trails as not to
disturb these trees on the property which are important to the parks character and the
community during construction. Root disturbance and soil compaction could cause the
trees to die.
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32
G. VEHICULAR ACCESS, TRAFFIC, & PARKING
The community is concerned about vehicular access to the parking lot. Facilities
planned for this park typically do not generate a significant amount of traffic. The Park
Authority has consulted Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) and the
Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) during the creation of this master plan to
identify and address access issues. Neither agency had issues with site access at this
time, since typically, parks without ball fields do not generate the level of intensity that
creates a significant amount of traffic. At the time of development, the Park Authority
will need to meet all applicable county, state, and federal codes and requirements, in
effect at that time. These reviews ensure that the proposed facilities address potential
impacts and meet all applicable standards for traffic, parking, size, safety, stormwater
management, environmental protection, as well as zoning with review by the respective
agencies.
The Master Plan ultimately provides for up to 20 parking spaces to serve Ruckstuhl
Park. This number of spaces is based on Park Authority parking standards for the
combined primary and ancillary facilities planned as follows:
 Picnic shelter / outdoor classroom = 5 to 20 Parking Spaces (depending on size
and including 2 ADA spaces)
 Nature Playground = 5 Parking Spaces
Other planned facilities in the park are generally ancillary to the primary uses or
envisioned to be accessed by foot or bike
 Open Play Area = 0 Parking Spaces (pedestrian/ancillary access)
 Trails = 5 Parking Spaces (typically pedestrian access, but trail users may also
drive to the park)
The total number of spaces to meet Park Authority operational standards for the
facilities as provided in this master plan is 10 with an ultimate of up to 20 spaces
planned. The Park Authority is sensitive to ensuring that there is adequate parking
onsite so that adjacent neighborhoods are not impacted. Should this become an issue,
the parking lot may be expanded beyond 20 spaces if necessary to meet the demands
of the park users.
H. IDYLWOOD ROAD WIDENING
A 20’ wide easement exists along Idylwood Road for the eventual widening of that road
by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). The Fairfax County Bicycle
Master Plan, dated October 2014, shows a bicycle lane planned for Idylwood Road,
when it is widened. This easement extends 20’ behind the existing Right of Way (ROW)
for Idylwood Road along the frontage of the park. Care should be taken not to plan or
build any park features (except entrances and sidewalk) or plantings within this
additional right of way.
I. I-66 WIDENING
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is studying the options for expanding
I-66 through Fairfax County. As currently being studied, this expansion may include
several lanes in both directions, as well as utilities, and sound walls. This would affect
Ruckstuhl Park by the expansion of the VDOT Right of Way and I-66 by as much as 50
Ruckstuhl Park Master Plan
33
feet into the park. This could in turn push the Dominion Power Lines 50 feet further into
the park. Care should be taken not to construct any permanent features within 50 feet
of the existing power easement, nor within the easement.